January 2008 Circ Bover

The first night of San Sebastian was preceded by a visit to the circus. Circ Bover, who are based in Mallorca, had been on at Parc de la Mar in Palma from mid December. A small company of around a dozen, they get you smiling from the moment you walk in. The two clowns help to get everybody in the right mood, along with setting the scene for the evenings entertainment. A very light hearted but extremely professional bunch of young performers that keep your attention throughout.

Having seen the show in Sineu (I think), not long after they first started this tour back in November, I have to give them all a pat on the back for the way they have improved their performances, a very slick show.

If you had to pick a star of the show it has to be Raffa the clown, whose antics had the child in front of us wetting himself with laughter from the off, but he also helps to make the show flow. There is not a point throughout where you are looking at your watch, apart from the break when you want them to come back out and give you more!

This was their last night at Parc de la Mar and their last show until March and even though they obviously had some friends in the audience they received a standing ovation at the end of the evening and it was much deserved.

I'll be looking out for them when they return.

Jan 19 San Sebastian night 1

The annual San Sebastian celebrations in Palma this year produced a bit of a dilemna, well for us foreigners anyway. Once everybody had worked out what was on where, we were spoilt with the choice of 2 great English bands of the 70's and 80's, Echo & The Bunnymen or ELO. My decision was made easier as the band on before Echo was Sterlin. A local band with lead singer Adela Peraita's who has been described to me, by a well known bar in Sa Pobla, as having "the voice of an angel". Their music does not disappoint, playing original rock ballads with catchy tunes and good lyrics. If you come across their album "Destroy", I strongly recommend it.

After a short break to sort out the stage, the main act Echo & The Bunnymen appeared. Even though there had been good reports of the band it was difficult to know what to expect. It had been over 20 years since these guys had been at the top of the tree so you tend to be a bit dubious. But it didn't take long to realise that lead singer McCulloch and guitarist Sergeant had not lost a bit of their original style and swagger. With music from their underated last album Siberia along with the classics that you all know, including seven seas, The killing moon and bring on the dancing horses from their early days the audience was rocking to this great free show. The square, Joan Carles II, was jam packed and a lot of those were Brits, plus we heard a good contingent of scousers speak up when requested. I bet there were a few wheel-less cars in Palma that night :-).

A great music night in Palma, but the oranisers have got to get themselves sorted out. You wait for good concerts and along come two on one night. By all accounts the ELO concert was very good, even though there were none of the original members, they were almost the real deal. But no Mr Blue Sky!

Dec 26 Teatre Buffons

A wonderful theatre with a great atmosphere made this a memorable night out.

The show, by Miguel Gavalan, was very well put together and extremely entertaining. Some very clever illusions made you realise why this performer is so highly rated in Spain. How does he do the handkerchief trick? The only criticism could be that to fully appreciate some of the humour a basic understanding of Spanish was required, although most of it could be worked out.

The food on offer was Pa amb Oli with a choice of 14 different toppings. There was something for everyone from simple vegetarian options, along with fish and meat selections. The large portions were well presented, tasted good, along with the added bonus of selecting 2 different options on one plate, all served with a good garnish. This was a remarkably well priced night out, which included a dessert and a drink for 29.95€. By the end of the evening, after far too many drinks, well it was Christmas, the total bill was less than 40€ a head including a tip.

Keep an eye on http://www.digamemallorca.com/ for updates on what is going on at this intimate theatre in the centre of Palma. We already know of 2 more dates for Miguel Gavalan along with a promising tango show in January.

Dec 15 Handels Messiah

Fantastic performance by a mixture of amateurs and professionals set in the stunning background of La Seu, (Cathedral) Palma. Altthough it does go on for 3 hours and the seats get a bit hard, it is well worth making the effort to see this live performance. The quality of music playing and singing is enough to get the hairs on the back of your neck standing on edge. They will hopefully do this again next Christmas and I strongly recommend getting in the queue early to see it!

November 18 Circo Mamma Mia

This great little show is travelling the island over the next few months and is worth a visit by both children and adults. We managed to catch it in the municipal theatre of Muro.
A show, that rather than move into the realms of cirque nouveau, sticks with the traditional circus theme. From the very beginning this team make you feel welcome with a free cup of cider whilst guiding you through to your seats.
They only have one animal, the family pet poodle performing, which is good to see, plus if they had anymore it might get a bit messy on the stage. Here you will find the acts you would expect to find in the circus of 20 or 30 years ago and it is great to see. The clowns, the lassoo show, the strongman, acrobats and a magician all with a good amount of humour. This is a hard working troupe who will cheer you up, bring back memories for some of you, and create some nice new ones for those of you that are too young.

Keep an eye out in digame over the next few months or check the website http://www.digamemallorca.com/, to see when they are performing near you.

17 november Barber of Seville

Every year the Palma Auditorium stage their opera season. 4 nights with 4 different operas. La Traviata by Verdi, Don Giovanni by Mozart, La Boheme by Puccini and The Barber of Seville by Rossini were on offer this year.
As a first time visitor to the opera my expectations were low, but I was pleasantly surprised. what with a live and very good orchestra performing from the pit and a group of performers that appeared to be enjoying themselves this was very good entertainment. From the famous opening through to the final curtain my attention was kept even though I did not understand the language too well. Although as this production and most operas are in Italian I was far from being alone.
A good evening of entertainment, well worth the visit and a type of entertainment I will go to again.

16 November Chris Barron

Another unusual Mallorcan venue for music, which according to Hawaiin born, singer songwriter, Chris was a first for him. The Posada de Biniatro in Campanet was full to watch this Spin Doctor perform material from his solo album Pancho & the Kid and nobody seemed disappointed. Even the Mayor was up on his feet with words of praise and presented Chris with a Campanet plaque and a bell (I assume this has a link to campanology/ Campanet). Also included in his set was the chart topping song Two Princes, which was as expected, great. Not much has changed this relaxed performer who sounds as good now as he did 15 years ago when he and the other Spin Doctors first burst on to the music scene in New York and then across the world. This was a great solo performance from another platinum record performer who we have been lucky enough to see here on Mallorca. He is hoping to get back, with a band, in the summer for an outdoor performance which will be another concert not to miss, I am sure.